KEIRON Cunningham paid tribute to the work done by Salford coach Ian Watson, assisted by former Saints teammate Martin Gleeson, ahead of Thursday's game at the AJ Bell.

The duo have steered Salford to the top half of the table - and but for a the salary cap points deduction last year would have finished sixth in the Super League.

And after a few years of controversy and the ins and outs of some high-profile signings, the Red Devils appear to have turned into a solid top end side.

Cunningham said: “They are certainly going well and are in good form.

“They are a well-drilled side who are playing a little bit different to last year.

“Watto and Glees are doing a good job with them, they are playing with confidence and enjoying what they are doing.

“I always thought they would do well this year.

“Speaking to Glees you could see it was coming.

“They have a good conditioner, good coaches and players who want to play together. They will be a good test for us.”

Salford are two points ahead of Saints on the table, but have played an extra game.

They thumped Widnes on their own patch last week and are so far the only team to have lowered Castleford Tigers’ colours this term.

It means that Saints will have to be on their mettle tonight.

Cunningham added: “We’ve put in two poor first half performances against Leigh and Wakefield and didn’t get the results we should have.

“But over the last three weeks I have been happy with the effort and application of the boys.

“Victories make a big difference to the atmosphere at the club and getting the points from a tough away trip to Catalans and from a dogged Warrington is just deserts for the players’ hard work.

“We played well against Hull too and deserved more but the players can see where they are heading.

“Their tough work in the last month is paying off.

“They are doing it with a smile on their faces, they are united and want to work hard for each other.”

“You’re expected to win here and there is no let up. We’re excited to go this Thursday and face a tough Salford side.”